Benign Colorectal Strictures Research Articles

Uncovered self-expandable metal stents for the treatment of refractory benign colorectal anastomotic stricture

Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement has been suggested as a therapeutic modality for treating benign colorectal strictures. Covered stents are generally used, given the concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of uncovered stents. Hence, few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of uncovered SEMSs (UCSEMSs) in patients with refractory benign colorectal anastomotic strictures. In this study, 12 patients with postoperative benign symptomatic anastomotic strictures refractory to pneumatic dilation (range, 2–9) and transient indwelling-covered SEMSs were treated using UCSEMS. All enrolled patients were men (mean age, 61 years). Stent placement was successful in all 12 patients, and early clinical success was achieved in 11 (92%) patients. Four patients (25%) showed successful clinical outcomes without further intervention, but eight patients (75%) were clinically unsuccessful, and showed stricture recurrence or functional obstructive symptoms. Three patients underwent surgery, and the remaining five patients required repeat stent procedures. Despite the high reobstruction rate, the median follow-up period after UCSEMS placement was 16.7 months, demonstrating that UCSEMS may be able to achieve medium-term symptom relief without any complications. Therefore, UCSEMS may be an alternative option in exceptional circumstances in carefully selected patients, where invasive surgical treatments, such as stoma diversion, are not an option, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.

An Obscure Colon Dilatation and its Underlying Cause: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Congenital as well as acquired diseases may be responsible for the development of a megacolon. In adult patients, Clostridium difficile associated infection as well as late-onset of Morbus Hirschsprung disease are known to cause a megacolon. In addition, malignant as well as benign colorectal strictures may lead to intestinal dilatation. In case of an idiopathic megacolon, the underlying cause remains unclear. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 44-year-old male patient suffering from a long history of chronic constipation. He presented himself with an obscurely dilated large intestine with bowel loops up to 17 centimeters in diameter. Radiological as well as endoscopic examination gave evidence of a spastic process in the sigmoid colon. The patient was treated with a subtotal colectomy and the intraoperative findings revealed a stenotic stricture in the sigmoid colon. Since the histological examination did not find a conclusive reason for the functional stenosis, an immunohistochemical staining was advised. This showed a decrease in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the stenotic part of the sigmoid colon. Discussion: This case report describes a patient with an idiopathic megacolon, where the underlying cause remained unclear until an immunohistochemical staining of the stenotic colon showed a substantial decrease of ICCs. Various pathologies leading to a megacolon are reviewed and discussed.

P775 Usefulness of endoscopic balloon dilation for colorectal strictures in patients with Crohn’s disease who underwent administration of TNF-α inhibitor

Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) has been established as a therapeutic option for Crohn’s strictures. This study aimed to clarify the usefulness of EBD for Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with receiving TNF-alfa inhibitor. The subjects were CD patients who received TNF-alfa inhibitor at our hospital. EBD was indicated for patients who had symptomatic benign colorectal strictures without fistula and abscess. The short-term success rate of EBD, the rate of re-dilation, long- term surgery-free rate and adverse events of EBD were investigated retrospectively. The short-term success was defined as disappearance of stenotic symptoms after technically successful EBD. Five hundred and eighty-one CD patients received TNF-alfa inhibitor therapy at least once from January 2005 to September 2017. Of these 581 patients, 49 patients (8%) had experienced EBD for colorectal strictures. The short-term success rate of EBD was 90% (44/49). Although 28 patients (55%) were needed for re-dilation, only 2 patients in the successful EBD group required surgery. Surgery-free rate was significantly higher in the successful EBD group than in unsuccessful group (95% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). Neither severe bleeding that required transfusion nor perforation occurred. EBD for colorectal strictures is useful and safe treatment for CD patients who underwent administration of TNF-α inhibitor.

Endoscopic electrocautery incision therapy for benign lower gastrointestinal tract anastomotic strictures.

Benign anastomotic strictures can occur in up to 22% of patients who undergo colonic or rectal resection. Traditionally, surgery was the preferred method of treatment, but, over time, endoscopic techniques, such as balloon dilation, have become the preferred modality. However, a high stricture recurrence rate of up to 18-20% and the increased risk of perforation due to uncontrolled stretching are its major drawbacks. Endoscopic electrocautery incision (EECI) allows for controlled mucosal incision in predetermined locations of stricture. In this meta-analysis, we have summarized case reports, case series, retrospective studies and prospective studies describing the different endoscopic EECI techniques used for benign lower gastrointestinal tract anastomotic strictures. Our analysis showed that EECI, either alone or in combination with other modalities (e.g. balloon dilation, steroid injection or argon plasma coagulation) is an effective treatment option for both treatment-naïve and refractory short non-inflammatory strictures. The overall success rate for EECI-based therapy for benign colorectal stricture was 98.4%, with a stricture recurrence rate of 6.0%. No major adverse event (bleeding, infection or perforation) was reported. Only minor adverse events (abdominal pain) were reported in 3.8% of the population.

High grade anorectal stricture complicating Crohn's disease: endoscopic treatment using insulated-tip knife

Endoscopic treatments have emerged as an alternative to surgery, in the treatment of benign colorectal stricture. Unlike endoscopic balloon dilatation, there is limited data on endoscopic electrocautery incision therapy for benign colorectal stricture, especially with regards to safety and long-term patency. We present a case of a 29-year-old female with Crohn's disease who had difficulty in defecation and passing thin stools. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan, gastrograffin enema, and sigmoidoscopy showed a high-grade anorectal stricture. An endoscopic insulated-tip knife incision was successfully performed to resolve the problem. From our experience, we suggest that endoscopic insulated-tip knife treatment may be a feasible and effective modality for patients with short-segment, very rigid, fibrotic anorectal stricture.

Fully covered self-expanding metal stents for refractory anastomotic colorectal strictures.

Some patients with benign colorectal obstruction do not respond to endoscopic balloon dilation. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) have several potential advantages over non-covered stents, including a higher likelihood of retrieval owing to limited local tissue reaction. However, the efficacy and safety of FCSEMSs in benign colorectal strictures have not yet been established. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data concerning patients with post-surgical benign symptomatic anastomotic colorectal strictures, refractory to endoscopic dilation and in whom FCSEMSs had been placed at our center. Technical success was defined as successful stent placement and deployment at the stricture site. Early clinical success was defined as symptom relief persisting at least for 3 days. Follow-up was based on monthly clinical evaluation and quarterly endoscopic assessment. Endoscopic stent removal was planned on the basis of clinical or endoscopic assessment. Prolonged clinical success was defined as persistent symptom relief during follow-up. Technical and early clinical success were obtained in 16 of 16 (100%) patients. The median follow-up was 21 months. Prolonged clinical success was achieved in 9/16 (56%) cases. There was no major complication, including perforation and bleeding. Stent migration occurred in 3 (19%) cases, in two of them associated with clinical failure. The median stent diameter was significantly higher in patients with successful than in those with unsuccessful clinical outcome (26 vs. 20 mm, P = 0.006). The clinical success rate was 1/6 (17%) in patients who received a 20-22 mm stent and 8/10 (80%) in those who received a 24-26 mm stent, respectively (P = 0.035). FCSEMSs can represent effective and safe treatment for refractory anastomotic colorectal strictures. Large diameter stents are warranted for better results.

Sa1546 Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Interventional endoscopic and stenting techniques are continuously evolving and have enriched the therapeutic armamentarium of endoscopists. Transluminal endoscopic palliation of malignant and benign colorectal strictures in selected cases is more cost-effective and less invasive procedure compared to surgery.

Sa1547 The Full Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stent in the Management of Benign Esophageal Strictures: a Systematic Review

Sa1546 Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Orhan Kocaman*, Ahmet Danalioglu, Hakan Senturk, Ali T. Ince, Kursat Turkdogan, Kemal Yildiz, Mukaddes Tozlu, Yusuf Kayar, Birol Baysal Gastroenterology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey Background: Interventional endoscopic and stenting techniques are continuously evolving and have enriched the therapeutic armamentarium of endoscopists. Transluminal endoscopic palliation of malignant and benign colorectal strictures in selected cases is more cost-effective and less invasive procedure compared to surgery. Objective: To assess the technical and clinical success, complications and outcomes of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) that were placed in the lower gastrointestinal tract (LGT). Methods: A total of 42 consecutive patients who underwent placement of SEMS for malignant and benign causes were included in the study between February 2011 and October 2013. The data analysed included patient demographics, primary illness, lesion type, localisation and length of stricture, type of stent, technical success, clinical success, complications, and survival. Clinical success was defined as amelioration of obstructive symptoms after stenting. All stents were placed through the scope and under fluoroscopic guidance. Covered, partially covered or uncovered SEMS were used at the discretion of the involved endoscopist. Results: Twenty-nine male and thirteen female patients’ data were analyzed. The mean age of the patients were 61 26 years (range: 33-90). A total of 45 SEMS (23.1% fully covered and 56.6% uncovered) was placed. Complaints were subileus in 40.5%, ileus in 40.5%, hematochezia in 7.1%, constipation in 7.1%, and abdominal pain in 4.8%. Etiology was malignant in 92.9% of patients and benign in 7.1%. Malignant etiology were mainly composed of adenocancer (90.5%); whereas benign etiology were mainly composed of radiation colitis (4.2%), Crohn’s disease (2.4%) and anastomotic stricture (2.4%). Of all patients, 64.1% had metastasis at the time of stenting. Stent locations were as follows: sigmoid colon 52.4%, rectum 26.2%, and others 21.4%. Technical and clinical success rates of stenting were 92.9% and 82.1%, respectively. Mean follow-up period was 87.4 days (0-365). Complications were observed in 43.6% of patients during follow-up period. Complications were as follows: migration 17.9%, ingrowth 15.4%, primary dysfunction 5.1%, and perforation 5.2%. Excluding the removed ones, mean stent patency was 90 days. Second stent was placed in three patients (7.7%) due to complications related with the first stent. Complication rate was higher in malignant strictures (pZ0.011) and with fully covered stents (pZ0.037). Technical success was higher in sigmoid colon (pZ0.042), and clinical success was lower in malignant strictures (pZ0.015). Conclusions: The placement of SEMS in the LGT has high technical and clinical success rates in the palliation of colorectal strictures. The most common complication was stent migration observed mostly in malignant strictures and with uncovered stents.

Conformable metallic stent placement in a sigmoid volvulus: a feasible and effective bridge option

Sigmoid volvulus is the third leading cause of colonic obstruction in adults. Surgical resection with primary anastomosis is the standard of care [1]. Endoscopic reduction is a feasible option in patients with uncomplicated conditions [2] despite the fact that mechanical detorsion is not always successful, even by skilled hands. Few data are available concerning the role of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in the treatment of benign colorectal strictures, including sigmoid volvulus.

A retrospective analysis of early and late outcome of biodegradable stent placement in the management of refractory anastomotic colorectal strictures

Benign colorectal strictures are treated conventionally by endoscopic dilation. Experience using SEMS for benign colonic strictures is limited, and outcomes to date have been disappointing. Refractory colorectal strictures remain challenging to be treated with surgery. Polydioxanone-based stent are biodegradable (BD) stent CE approved for esophageal strictures. This study was designed to investigate retrospectively the safety and the efficacy of these stents for the management of strictures refractory to multiple sessions of dilation. Patients with postsurgical benign strictures located within 20 cm from anal verge, refractory to mechanical or pneumatic dilation (at least 3 sessions) were included in this analysis. Clinical success was defined as the absence of occlusive symptoms and the ability to pass through the stricture with a regular size colonoscope. All patients were predilated before stent placement. Stents were released under fluoroscopic control. All patients were under stool softeners for 3 months. Follow-up was scheduled with endoscopic and fluoroscopic controls within 90 days from stent deployment and afterwards by telephone interview and/or ambulatory consultation. Eleven patients (7 males, mean age 62.3 ± 8.5 years) were included. Technical success was achieved in all the patients. Stent migration was observed in four patients within the first 2 weeks after stent placement. Stent migration was followed by recurrence of stricture and obstructive symptoms in all the cases. Among the seven patients who completed the process of stent biodegradation, five of them had complete resolution of the stricture and relief of symptoms. Two of 11 patients required surgical treatment during the follow-up period (mean 19.8 (range 42-15) months). The overall success rate of the BD stent was 45 %. This retrospective analysis of a limited number of patients demonstrated that nondedicated esophageal BD stents are associated with high risk of migration and clinical success in less than 50 % of patients. Dedicated stents with large diameter and antimigration findings could potentially improve the outcome of patients with refractory benign colorectal strictures.

Endoscopic Management of Refractory Benign Colorectal Strictures

In colonoscopic study, benign colorectal strictures with or without symptomatic pain are not rarely encountered. Benign colorectal stricture can be caused by a number of problems, such as anastomotic stricture after surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, postendoscopic submucosal dissection, diverticular disease, ischemic colitis, and so on. There are various modalities for the management of benign colorectal stricture. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is generally considered as the primary treatment for benign colorectal stricture. In refractory benign colorectal strictures, several treatment sessions of balloon dilatation are needed for successful dilatation. The self-expandable metal stent and many combined techniques are performed at present. However, there is no specific algorithmic modality for refractory benign colorectal strictures.

Su1466 Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Treatment for Benign Colorectal Stricture: Ballooning Dilatation Versus Stenting

Su1466 Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Treatment for Benign Colorectal Stricture: Ballooning Dilatation Versus Stenting

Endoscopic Treatment of Benign Colorectal Striture. A Retrospective Study

Purpose: Endoscopic balloon dilation and electroincision have proven to be an alternative to surgery in the treatment of symptomatic colorectal strictures. The aim of this study was to analyze its efficacy and safety at our Institution. Methods: This study is to retrospectively investigate the results of endoscopic balloon dilation and electroincision for symptomatic stenotic benign colorectal lesions, whether they be anastomotic or not. All patients underwent dilation by using through-the-scope balloon dilation(TTS) or needle knife electrosurgery stenotomy. Student t test was applied in order to analyze means and chi-square was used to compare frequency. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Colonoscopies were performed under light sedation. Results: Forty-four patients from 2001 to 2010 with benign colorectal strictures were enrolled in this study. Sixteen were male and 28 female, the youngest being 32 and the oldest 84. Mean age was 60+/-13for the whole group. No difference between ages of male and female, 64+/-10 and 58+/-14 P>0.05 was observed. Twenty-eight (71%)out of 39 patients with anastomotic stricture and 4 (80%) out of 5 without bowel resection were successfully treated P>0.05. Failure was mostly related to long-segment stricture, being 2 (16%) for short and 10 (83%) for long P<0.01. Twelve were submitted to radiation therapy before the endoscopic procedure, 7 of them (58%) had successful outcome P>0.05. There were two (4%) perforations treated through surgery. No casualties. Five (11%) and 39 (88%) were submitted to electroincision and TTS dilatation, respectively. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment is an alternative to surgery when we are dealing with a benign stricture of the colon. Besides, no statistical difference was obtained, it seems that previous radiation therapy had made the procedure more difficult. In our study, long segment stricture was the worst problem to be solved.

Su1540 Self-Expandable Biodegradable Stent in the Management of Refractory Benign Colorectal Strictures: Preliminary Results From a Pilot Study

Su1540 Self-Expandable Biodegradable Stent in the Management of Refractory Benign Colorectal Strictures: Preliminary Results From a Pilot Study Alessandro Repici, Giacomo Rando, Fabio Romeo, Nico Pagano, Alessandra Carlino, Eva Vitetta, Gabriele Delconte, Giuseppe Strangio, Silvio Danese, Daniel D. Ferreira, Alberto Malesci Servizio di Endoscopia Digestiva, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (MI), Italy Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an established treatment for palliation of malignant colorectal strictures and as a bridge to surgery for acute malignant colonic obstruction. Patients with benign colonic strictures may potentially benefit from stent placement, but little and controversial data exist for this indication. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biodegradable stents in the management of benign refractory colorectal strictures. A single center pilot study including patients with benign strictures located within 25 from anal verge refractory to mechanical or pneumatic dilation (at least 3 sessions). Exclusion criteria were: presence of concomitant fistula, suspicion of malignancy, diverticulosis, previous stent placment and stricture located too close to the anus ( 5cm). Outcome was evaluated clinically and as ability to pass through the stricture with a regular size colonoscope. Data were prospectively collected in an electronic database and follow-up was scheduled with endoscopic control after 14, 30, 90 days and afterwards at monthly interval by telephone interview. The stent used was an esophageal biodegradable stent (Ella, Czech Rep), in two different size 25 and 30 mm. Stent was placed under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. Results: 11 consecutive patients (8M/3F, mean age 58.8y) were enrolled from September 2009. The etiologies of the stricture were: postsurgical anastomotic (n 8), radiation-induced (n 2), and Crohn’s (n 1) disease. Mean stricture length was 2.4 cm (2-4 cm). Stent placement was technically successful for all patients. No perforation occurred in the present series. Stent migration occurred in 4 patients after 4 days, 10 days, 14 days and 3 weeks respectively. One of these patients developed an acute obstruction after stent migration and underwent emergency surgery. Two patients are under periodic dilation and one was retreated with a second biodegradable stent. One patient presented with acute bowel occlusion due to fecal impaction 2 months after stent placement and was successfully treated by endoscopy. Mean follow-up was 7.5 months (range 4-14 months). Among the 7 patients who maintained the stent until its complete degradation, 5 remained asymptomatic and didn’t develop stricture recurrence. Two patients (one with radiation-induced and one with post-surgical stricture) developed symptomatic stricture recurrence and are currently treated with periodic dilation. Placement of biodegradable stent may represent a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with refractory colorectal strictures. High migration rate (36.3%) is a major drawback of this approach. The development of dedicated biodegradable colorectal stent (with anti-migration design) which better fit the colorectal anatomy could help in reducing the migration rate.

Outcome of 141 cases of self-expandable metallic stent placements for malignant and benign colorectal strictures in a single center

The use of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) has emerged as an alternative treatment option for malignant colorectal obstruction. Although the technical success rate of SEMS has been widely reported, outcome data are limited. This retrospective study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of colorectal SEMS for malignant and benign disease in patients who underwent SEMS at a single center. One surgeon inserted all stents under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance; 141 SEMS procedures were performed in 133 patients (82 males, mean age 69 years). The SEMS procedure was undertaken for: palliation of malignant obstruction in 30 patients (36 cases), and the technical success rate was 94%; a bridge to surgery for colorectal cancers in 98 patients/cases, and the technical success rate was 91%; benign stricture in 5 patients (7 cases), and the technical success rate was 100%. Due to anatomical differences, the success rate was lower at the cecum, descending colon, and sigmoid than in the rectosigmoid and rectum. In 11 cases of technical failures, the failures were due to technical problems in 9 cases (82%) and due to the state of the stricture in 2 cases (18%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 6 patients (4%): perforation in 3 and migration in 3. All perforation cases and one migration case underwent emergency surgery. There was no mortality. In the bridge to surgery group, postoperative complications were much lower in the clinical success cases (6%) than in the failure group (36%). In the palliation treatment group, long-term SEMS migration occurred in 4 patients (14%), and re-obstruction occurred in 5 patients (18%); the mean insertion period was 201 (range: 10-576) days. Colorectal SEMS had feasible short and long-term results and low morbidity, making it a viable option for various types of colorectal obstruction with careful attention to the indications.

Endoluminal stent and percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of benign colorectal stricture associated WITH colo-cutanoues fistula

Endoluminal stent and percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of benign colorectal stricture associated WITH colo-cutanoues fistula

Treatment of benign colorectal strictures by temporary stenting with self-expanding stents

The application of stents in benign colorectal strictures is considered controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess effectiveness and complications associated with colorectal stent placement in benign colorectal disease. Fourteen patients with benign colorectal strictures who had undergone previous surgery (colorectal anastomotic stenosis, 13; neosphincter scar stenosis, one) were treated with covered self-expanding metal stent or plastic stent. Placement of the stent was performed with combined endoscopy and contrast enhanced fluoroscopy. Self-expanding stents were successful implanted in all 14 patients without acute procedure-related complications. All patients experienced immediate decompression after stent placement with expansion and patency of the stent. Relief of bowel obstruction for at least 12 months was achieved in seven of 14 patients (50%). Anastomotic fistula healed in four of six patients (67%). Despite the initial success of stenting, re-operations had to be performed in two of seven patients because of late recurrence of the stricture after a mean follow-up of 37 months. Temporary insertion of self-expanding stents is a safe procedure that may be effective in selected cases of benign colorectal stricture. However, repeat surgery will be necessary in a considerable number of patients due to primary or secondary failure of stenting.

Stent placement for benign colonic stenosis: case report, review of the literature, and animal pilot data

Permanent metal stent placement for malignant intestinal obstruction has been proven to be efficient. Temporary stents for benign conditions of the colon and rectum are less studied. This is a case study, review of the literature, and observation from an animal model on placement of stents in the colorectum for benign disease. A 55-year-old man presented with recurrent obstructions from a benign stricture of the distal sigmoid colon. After failed balloon dilations, a polyester coated stent was placed. The purpose of the stent was to improve symptoms and avoid surgery. The stent was expelled after 5 days. We conducted a literature review of stents placed for benign colorectal strictures and an animal study to evaluate stent migration. In the literature, there were 53 reports of uncovered metal stents, four covered metal stents, and six polyester stents. Patency rates were 71%, and migration rate was 43%. Migration occurred earlier with polyester stents (mean=8 days) versus covered (32 days) or uncovered metal stents (112 days). Severe complications were seen in 23% of patients. Four 45-kg pigs underwent rectosigmoid transection with a 21-mm anastomosis and endoscopic placement of a Polyflex stent. Two stents were secured with suture. Stents without fixation were expelled within 24 h of surgery. Stents with fixation were expelled between postoperative days 2 and 14. Stents for the treatment of benign colorectal strictures are safe, with comparable patency rates between stent types. Metal stents can cause severe complications. In a pig model, covered polyester stents tend to migrate early even with fixation. Further investigation needs to focus on new stent designs and/or better fixation.

Expandable metal stent placement for benign colorectal obstruction: outcomes for 23 cases

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an established treatment for palliation of malignant colorectal strictures and as a bridge to surgery for acute malignant colonic obstruction. Patients with benign colonic strictures may benefit from stent placement, but little data exist for this indication. All cases of colonic stent placement identified from a prospectively collected gastrointestinal database from April 1999 to August 2006 were reviewed. During the study period, 23 patients with benign obstructive disease underwent endoscopic SEMS placement. The etiologies of the stricture were diverticular/inflammatory (n = 16), postsurgical anastomotic (n = 3), radiation-induced (n = 3), and Crohn's (n = 1) disease. All strictures were located in the left colon. Five patients had an associated colonic fistula. Uncovered Enteral Wallstents or Ultraflex Precision Colonic stents (Boston Scientific) were endoscopically placed in all but one patient. Stent placement was technically successful for all 23 patients, and obstruction was relieved for 22 patients (95%). Major complications occurred in 38% of the patients including migration (n = 2), reobstruction (n = 4), and perforation (n = 2). Of these major complications, 87% occurred after 7 days. Four patients did not undergo an operation. Of the 19 patients who underwent planned surgical resection, 16 were successfully decompressed and converted from an emergent operation to an elective one with a median time to surgical resection of 12 days (range, 2 days to 18 months). Surgery was delayed more than 30 days after stent placement for six of these patients. Of the 19 patients who underwent a colectomy, 8 (42%) did not need a stoma after stent insertion. SEMS can effectively decompress high-grade, benign colonic obstruction, thereby allowing elective surgery. The use of SEMS can offer medium-term symptom relief for benign colorectal strictures, but this approach is associated with a high rate of delayed complications. Thus, if elective surgery is planned, data from this small study suggest that it should be performed within 7 days of stent placement.

Self-expanding silicone stent for treatment of postoperative colorectal stricture in an infant with Hirschsprung's disease: a case report

Benign colorectal strictures can be a complication of intestinal surgery, with limited options for endosopic intervention. In this report, we describe a case where a removable silicone stent was temporarily placed to successfully treat a benign post operative stricture in an infant with Hirschprung's disease.